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Annual State Legislative Competitiveness Report: Vol. 14, 2024

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Last updated on November 25, 2024
2024 State Legislative Competitiveness
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Contents


Ballotpedia's14th Annual State Legislative Competitiveness Report analyzed all5,807 state legislative seats that were up for election on November 5, 2024, in 44 states.

State legislative competitiveness in 2024 was below average for even years from 2010 to 2024.

In 2024, the nationwide State Legislative Competitiveness Index was33.2, down from the last three election cycles: 2022 (36.6), 2020 (33.4), and 2018 (36.1).

State legislative competitiveness in 2024 (33.2) was below the 14-year competitiveness index average of 34.0. This average was for even-year elections only. Looking at averages across the last three even-year election cycles: 2024 had fewer open seats, incumbents in contested primaries, and seats with major competition.

Key findings of this report include:

  • 962 seats wereopen (16.6%). This was the second-smallest number of open seats since Ballotpedia began gathering data in 2010.
  • 1,039 incumbents facedcontested primaries (21.4%). This was roughly average compared to previous years, down from 26.8% in 2022 but higher than the 20.1% in 2020.
  • 3,583 seats were contested byboth major parties (61.7%), higher than in 2022 (59.2%) but lower than in 2018 (66.3%) and 2020 (65.2%).

  • Nationwide State Legislative Competitiveness Index, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House15.7%21.1%61.7%32.8
    Senate20.4%22.8%61.9%35.0
    Total16.6%21.4%61.7%33.2


    This report is organized into five sections. They are:

    Competitiveness overview

    Competitiveness refers to the presence of choice throughout the election cycle. A greater level of competitiveness means voters have the ability to make more decisions. A lower level of competitiveness equals fewer choices.

    Ballotpedia uses three factors to determine state legislative competitiveness:

    These percentages are averaged to produce a State Legislative Competitiveness Index, which can range from zero (least competitive) to 100 (most competitive).

    The table below shows the Competitiveness Indices from 2010 to 2024 as well as the three factors used to calculate the indices.Click here to read more about Ballotpedia's methodology used when calculating Competitiveness Indices.

    State legislative Competitiveness Indices, 2010-2024
    20102012201420162018202020222024AVERAGE
    Competitiveness Index34.635.230.831.736.133.436.633.234.0
    Open seats18.7%21.9%16.8%17.4%19.7%14.9%23.8%16.6%18.7%
    Inc. in contested primaries20.0%23.3%19.5%20.2%22.2%20.1%26.8%21.4%21.7%
    Seats with major party competition65.0%60.4%56.0%57.6%66.3%65.2%59.2%61.7%61.4%

    The graphic below combines these figures for every election cycle from 2010 to 2024, showing the change in competitiveness, and how each criterion affects the overall competitiveness indices, over time.

    State overviews

    Click [show] on the table below to view each state's State Legislative Competitiveness Index in 2024, along with their respective values for the three criteria and ranks.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Indices, 2024
    StateOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    %Rk.%Rk.%Rk.#Rk.
    Nationwide16.6%-21.4%-61.7%-33.2-
    Alaska14.0%252.3%4434.0%4116.843
    Arizona22.2%1245.7%565.6%1944.58
    Arkansas11.0%309.5%3845.8%3322.141
    California34.0%440.9%679.0%951.33
    Colorado28.9%611.9%3383.1%641.312
    Connecticut5.9%425.1%4273.8%1428.330
    Delaware9.8%3215.2%2843.1%3522.740
    Florida22.1%1411.9%3385.0%439.714
    Georgia7.2%3819.5%2547.9%3224.935
    Hawaii7.9%3632.8%1166.7%1835.821
    Idaho5.7%4349.0%471.4%1642.011
    Illinois4.3%4414.4%2950.7%3023.139
    Indiana7.2%3825.0%1956.0%2729.428
    Iowa12.8%276.4%4064.8%2028.031
    Kansas18.8%1812.7%3263.0%2331.527
    Kentucky13.4%2623.3%2242.9%3626.533
    Maine21.0%164.1%4379.0%934.722
    Massachusetts9.5%339.9%3620.0%4413.144
    Michigan7.3%3734.3%999.1%146.95
    Minnesota14.9%246.1%4194.8%238.615
    Missouri31.7%521.1%2468.9%1740.613
    Montana41.6%232.0%1284.8%552.82
    Nebraska60.0%150.0%376.0%1362.01
    Nevada28.8%721.6%2376.9%1242.410
    New Hampshire22.4%1126.1%1882.5%743.79
    New Mexico17.0%2223.7%2141.1%3827.332
    New York8.0%349.2%3962.0%2426.434
    North Carolina12.4%2812.8%3177.1%1134.123
    North Dakota24.6%938.5%850.7%3037.916
    Ohio24.3%1027.6%1685.2%345.77
    Oklahoma17.6%2128.2%1527.2%4224.336
    Oregon18.7%1918.0%2673.3%1536.718
    Pennsylvania7.0%409.9%3654.4%2923.838
    Rhode Island8.0%3411.5%3534.5%4018.042
    South Carolina11.8%2934.0%1041.8%3729.229
    South Dakota34.3%360.9%245.7%3447.04
    Tennessee7.0%4026.2%1761.7%2531.626
    Texas10.3%3140.5%760.0%2636.917
    Utah18.0%2016.2%2764.0%2232.725
    Vermont22.2%1214.3%3035.6%3924.037
    Washington21.1%1524.7%2064.2%2136.718
    West Virginia16.2%2330.6%1455.6%2834.123
    Wisconsin26.1%831.5%1380.9%846.26
    Wyoming20.8%1765.6%122.1%4336.220

    Click [show] on the table below to view each state's State Legislative Competitiveness Index from 2010 to 2024.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Indices, 2010-2024
    State20102012201420162018202020222024
    #Rk.#Rk.#Rk.#Rk.#Rk.#Rk.#Rk.#Rk.
    Nationwide34.6-35.2-30.8-31.7-36.1-33.4-36.6-33.2-
    Alaska26.43439.21530.02033.11943.9930.13124.94116.843
    Arizona50.3341.51242.7634.71750.3438.61150.3644.58
    Arkansas28.03031.92922.33715.54325.03819.44329.13422.141
    California46.6652.4347.4344.3743.31043.3451.5451.33
    Colorado36.61544.1836.11339.41142.41139.6948.6741.312
    Connecticut30.42531.92930.02030.72434.22630.92831.33128.330
    Delaware29.22729.03426.42720.73734.12722.64126.93922.740
    Florida33.52035.42423.63432.92037.12041.9537.91739.714
    Georgia23.34219.24216.34316.84223.94026.63634.22324.935
    Hawaii48.1536.32236.91030.82329.53133.32046.6835.821
    Idaho29.02852.4331.61633.31834.82432.92246.0942.011
    Illinois27.63128.33519.64019.33926.73625.13929.13423.139
    Indiana33.42233.82622.13831.12233.62831.72631.23329.428
    Iowa29.42637.31923.03528.82731.22928.53335.12228.031
    Kansas28.32947.9529.72238.71427.53433.71827.63831.527
    Kentucky27.03325.43924.23227.33140.61428.03531.33126.533
    Maine40.01043.0938.7936.21638.51933.81740.31434.722
    Massachusetts24.53916.04419.73913.44417.84413.64418.04413.144
    Michigan59.0152.8154.5157.3158.9150.4165.2146.95
    Minnesota37.81142.81036.21238.91240.41538.81044.21138.615
    Missouri37.61337.02127.62425.93341.71231.82532.32940.613
    Montana42.5745.0747.5244.2836.02241.4638.41652.82
    Nebraska26.23537.71839.5838.91239.61730.23051.5462.01
    Nevada54.2247.0636.51145.9439.11836.11552.3342.410
    New Hampshire49.6452.6246.3449.3344.9847.6353.0243.79
    New Mexico24.14131.43125.92918.44022.84333.71828.83627.332
    New York36.31630.43227.22527.93028.33332.92233.72526.434
    North Carolina34.51937.81726.42728.92645.0641.3736.22034.123
    North Dakota32.22441.01430.51941.51034.42531.62733.42737.916
    Ohio42.1938.71643.0538.51551.2238.41239.91545.77
    Oklahoma24.24024.14024.83145.2650.8325.43823.24224.336
    Oregon37.71232.72831.31729.42530.23037.91345.41036.718
    Pennsylvania27.53226.23825.63024.33528.73228.93232.13023.838
    Rhode Island36.91426.73716.94218.14123.94021.64233.72518.042
    South Carolina20.94323.24116.34320.33824.63926.33727.73729.229
    South Dakota33.52041.11333.41443.8945.0637.61442.21347.04
    Tennessee25.93734.82524.13328.42941.21323.34022.64331.626
    Texas20.84430.23322.83624.73435.52330.62933.82436.917
    Utah33.32337.12032.11528.62836.42131.92426.14032.725
    Vermont25.23818.54319.34126.93223.04228.53332.42824.037
    Washington34.91833.32731.31732.72139.71641.1837.31836.718
    West Virginia42.5742.61141.8751.5247.7550.0242.71234.123
    Wisconsin35.11735.82326.72623.23627.23535.11636.61946.26
    Wyoming26.13627.23629.52345.5525.73733.22135.62136.220

    Competitiveness by state

    Overview

    Alaska

    Alaska had a Competitiveness Index of16.8, ranking it 43rd of the 44 states that held elections.

    • Seven of the 50 seats up for election wereopen (14%).
    • One of the 43 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (2%).
    • 17 of the 50 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (34%).

    In 2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents. Click on headings for more state-specific information.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Alaska, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House15.0%0.0%30.0%15.0
    Senate10.0%11.1%50.0%23.7
    Total14.0%2.3%34.0%16.8

    2010-2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Alaska, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201010.0%13.3%56.0%26.434 / 44
    201218.6%29.6%69.5%39.215 / 44
    201414.8%8.5%66.7%30.020 / 44
    201618.0%29.3%52.0%33.119 / 44
    201826.0%29.7%76.0%43.99 / 44
    20206.0%40.4%44.0%30.131 / 44
    202233.9%0.0%40.7%24.941 / 44
    202414.0%2.3%34.0%16.843 / 44


    See also:

    Arizona

    Arizona had a Competitiveness Index of44.5, ranking it eighth of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 20 of the 90 seats up for election wereopen (22%).
    • 32 of the 70 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (46%).
    • 59 of the 90 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (66%).

    In 2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents. Click on headings for more state-specific information.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Arizona, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House25.0%55.6%63.3%48.0
    Senate16.7%28.0%70.0%38.2
    Total22.2%45.7%65.6%44.5

    2010-2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Arizona, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201043.3%51.0%56.7%50.33 / 44
    201235.6%40.0%48.9%41.512 / 44
    201426.7%42.4%58.9%42.76 / 44
    201628.9%29.7%45.6%34.717 / 44
    201836.7%47.4%66.7%50.34 / 44
    202018.9%37.0%60.0%38.611 / 44
    202247.8%52.0%51.1%50.36 / 44
    202422.2%45.7%65.6%44.58 / 44


    See also:

    Arkansas

    Arkansas had a Competitiveness Index of22.1, ranking it 41st of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 13 of the 118 seats up for election wereopen (11%).
    • 10 of the 105 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (10%).
    • 54 of the 118 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (46%).

    In 2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents. Click on headings for more state-specific information.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Arkansas, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House12.0%9.1%49.0%23.4
    Senate5.6%11.8%27.8%15.0
    Total11.0%9.5%45.8%22.1

    2010-2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Arkansas, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201045.3%6.3%32.5%28.030 / 44
    201234.8%13.6%47.4%31.929 / 44
    201426.3%9.2%31.4%22.337 / 44
    201612.8%9.8%23.9%15.543 / 44
    201819.5%15.8%39.8%25.038 / 44
    20208.5%10.3%39.3%19.443 / 44
    202223.7%27.9%35.6%29.134 / 44
    202411.0%9.5%45.8%22.141 / 44


    See also:

    California

    California had a Competitiveness Index of51.3, ranking it third of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 34 of the 100 seats up for election wereopen (34%).
    • 27 of the 66 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (41%).
    • 79 of the 100 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (79%).

    In 2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents. Click on headings for more state-specific information.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in California, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House28.8%35.1%78.8%47.5
    Senate55.0%77.8%80.0%70.9
    Total34.0%40.9%79.0%51.3

    2010-2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in California, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201038.0%9.7%92.0%46.66 / 44
    201244.0%39.3%74.0%52.43 / 44
    201433.0%34.3%75.0%47.43 / 44
    201626.0%33.8%73.0%44.37 / 44
    201814.0%43.0%73.0%43.310 / 44
    202014.0%43.0%73.0%43.34 / 44
    202234.0%46.4%74.0%51.54 / 44
    202434.0%40.9%79.0%51.33 / 44


    See also:

    Colorado

    Colorado had a Competitiveness Index of41.3, ranking it 12th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 24 of the 83 seats up for election wereopen (29%).
    • Seven of the 59 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (12%).
    • 69 of the 83 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (83%).

    In 2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents. Click on headings for more state-specific information.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Colorado, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House24.6%10.2%84.6%39.8
    Senate44.4%20.0%77.8%47.4
    Total28.9%11.9%83.1%41.3

    2010-2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Colorado, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201023.8%1.6%84.5%36.615 / 44
    201238.8%7.5%85.9%44.18 / 44
    201428.0%3.4%76.8%36.113 / 44
    201628.9%8.5%80.7%39.411 / 44
    201830.5%8.8%87.8%42.411 / 44
    202024.1%7.9%86.7%39.69 / 44
    202239.0%14.0%92.7%48.67 / 44
    202428.9%11.9%83.1%41.312 / 44


    See also:

    Connecticut

    Connecticut had a Competitiveness Index of28.3, ranking it 30th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 11 of the 187 seats up for election wereopen (6%).
    • Nine of the 176 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (5%).
    • 138 of the 187 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (74%).

    In 2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents. Click on headings for more state-specific information.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Connecticut, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House6.6%5.0%70.9%27.5
    Senate2.8%5.7%86.1%31.5
    Total5.9%5.1%73.8%28.3

    2010-2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Connecticut, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201010.2%6.0%74.9%30.425 / 44
    201212.8%4.3%78.6%31.929 / 44
    201412.8%5.5%71.7%30.020 / 44
    201612.3%6.1%73.8%30.724 / 44
    201812.8%3.1%86.6%34.226 / 44
    20209.1%2.9%80.7%30.928 / 44
    202216.0%2.5%75.4%31.331 / 44
    20245.9%5.1%73.8%28.330 / 44


    See also:

    Delaware

    Delaware had a Competitiveness Index of22.7, ranking it 40th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • Five of the 51 seats up for election wereopen (10%).
    • Seven of the 46 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (15%).
    • 22 of the 51 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (43%).

    In 2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents. Click on headings for more state-specific information.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Delaware, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House12.2%16.7%51.2%26.7
    Senate0.0%10.0%10.0%6.7
    Total9.8%15.2%43.1%22.7

    2010-2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Delaware, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20107.7%14.6%65.4%29.227 / 44
    201216.1%20.8%50.0%29.034 / 44
    20143.9%18.4%56.9%26.427 / 44
    20163.8%12.0%46.2%20.737 / 44
    201827.5%8.1%66.7%34.127 / 44
    20203.8%14.0%50.0%22.641 / 44
    202211.3%14.5%54.8%26.939 / 44
    20249.8%15.2%43.1%22.740 / 44


    See also:

    Florida

    Florida had a Competitiveness Index of39.7, ranking it 14th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 31 of the 140 seats up for election wereopen (22%).
    • 13 of the 109 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (12%).
    • 119 of the 140 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (85%).

    In 2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents. Click on headings for more state-specific information.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Florida, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House19.2%10.3%85.0%38.2
    Senate40.0%25.0%85.0%50.0
    Total22.1%11.9%85.0%39.7

    2010-2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Florida, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201032.2%18.6%49.7%33.520 / 44
    201233.1%28.2%45.0%35.424 / 44
    201412.9%17.2%40.7%23.634 / 44
    201638.8%14.3%45.6%32.920 / 44
    201827.1%18.6%65.7%37.120 / 44
    202028.6%17.0%80.0%41.95 / 44
    202229.4%28.1%56.3%37.917 / 44
    202422.1%11.9%85.0%39.714 / 44


    See also:

    Georgia

    Georgia had a Competitiveness Index of24.9, ranking it 35th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 17 of the 236 seats up for election wereopen (7%).
    • 43 of the 220 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (20%).
    • 113 of the 236 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (48%).

    In 2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents. Click on headings for more state-specific information.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Georgia, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House7.2%18.5%50.0%25.2
    Senate7.1%23.1%41.1%23.8
    Total7.2%19.5%47.9%24.9

    2010-2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Georgia, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201016.1%20.7%33.1%23.342 / 44
    201211.9%22.9%22.9%19.242 / 44
    20147.2%21.5%20.3%16.343 / 44
    20168.9%22.9%18.6%16.842 / 44
    20188.5%24.5%38.6%23.940 / 44
    202011.0%20.0%48.7%26.636 / 44
    202221.6%33.5%47.5%34.223 / 44
    20247.2%19.5%47.9%24.935 / 44


    See also:

    Hawaii

    Hawaii had a Competitiveness Index of35.8, ranking it 21st of the 44 states that held elections.

    • Five of the 63 seats up for election wereopen (8%).
    • 19 of the 58 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (33%).
    • 42 of the 63 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (67%).

    In 2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents. Click on headings for more state-specific information.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Hawaii, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House7.8%38.3%66.7%37.6
    Senate8.3%9.1%66.7%28.0
    Total7.9%32.8%66.7%35.8

    2010-2024

    Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Hawaii, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201012.1%41.4%90.9%48.15 / 44
    201210.5%36.6%61.8%36.322 / 44
    20147.9%34.5%68.3%36.910 / 44
    20164.7%39.3%48.4%30.823 / 44
    201814.3%42.6%31.7%29.531 / 44
    202012.5%35.7%51.6%33.320 / 44
    202219.7%39.7%80.3%46.68 / 44
    20247.9%32.8%66.7%35.821 / 44


    See also:

    Idaho

    Idaho had a Competitiveness Index of42.0, ranking it 11th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • Six of the 105 seats up for election wereopen (6%).
    • 49 of the 100 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (49%).
    • 75 of the 105 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (71%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Idaho, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House7.1%48.5%71.4%42.4
    Senate2.9%50.0%71.4%41.4
    Total5.7%49.0%71.4%42.0

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Idaho, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20108.6%27.1%51.4%29.028 / 44
    201234.3%48.6%74.3%52.43 / 44
    201410.5%31.9%52.4%31.616 / 44
    20168.6%32.3%59.0%33.318 / 44
    201815.2%34.8%54.3%34.824 / 44
    202017.1%32.2%49.5%32.922 / 44
    202234.3%60.8%42.9%46.09 / 44
    20245.7%49.0%71.4%42.011 / 44


    See also:

    Illinois

    Illinois had a Competitiveness Index of23.1, ranking it 39th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • SIx of the 138 seats up for election wereopen (4%).
    • 19 of the 132 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (14%).
    • 70 of the 138 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (51%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Illinois, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House4.2%15.0%50.0%23.1
    Senate5.0%10.5%55.0%23.5
    Total4.3%14.4%50.7%23.1

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Illinois, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20108.6%16.5%57.6%27.631 / 44
    201219.2%22.8%42.9%28.335 / 44
    20148.8%11.2%38.7%19.640 / 44
    20168.9%11.8%37.3%19.339 / 44
    201817.8%13.2%49.0%26.736 / 44
    202010.9%18.0%46.4%25.139 / 44
    202212.4%16.1%58.8%29.134 / 44
    20244.3%14.4%50.7%23.139 / 44


    See also:

    Indiana

    Indiana had a Competitiveness Index of29.4, ranking it 28th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • Nine of the 125 seats up for election wereopen (7%).
    • 29 of the 116 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (25%).
    • 70 of the 125 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (56%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Indiana, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House8.0%23.9%60.0%30.6
    Senate4.0%29.2%40.0%24.4
    Total7.2%25.0%56.0%29.4

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Indiana, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20109.6%18.6%72.0%33.422 / 44
    201218.4%16.5%66.4%33.826 / 44
    20146.4%9.4%50.4%22.138 / 44
    201613.6%15.7%64.0%31.122 / 44
    201811.2%20.7%68.8%33.628 / 44
    20208.0%20.0%67.2%31.726 / 44
    202211.2%26.3%56.0%31.233 / 44
    20247.2%25.0%56.0%29.428 / 44


    See also:

    Iowa

    Iowa had a Competitiveness Index of28.0, ranking it 31st of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 16 of the 125 seats up for election wereopen (13%).
    • Seven of the 109 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (6%).
    • 81 of the 125 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (65%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Iowa, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House13.0%5.7%63.0%27.2
    Senate12.0%9.1%72.0%31.0
    Total12.8%6.4%64.8%28.0

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Iowa, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201013.6%7.4%67.2%29.426 / 44
    201223.8%16.0%72.2%37.319 / 44
    201412.0%7.3%49.6%23.035 / 44
    201610.4%8.0%68.0%28.827 / 44
    201817.6%4.9%71.2%31.229 / 44
    202013.6%5.6%66.4%28.533 / 44
    202234.3%15.1%56.0%35.122 / 44
    202412.8%6.4%64.8%28.031 / 44


    See also:

    Kansas

    Kansas had a Competitiveness Index of31.5, ranking it 27th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 31 of the 165 seats up for election wereopen (19%).
    • 17 of the 134 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (13%).
    • 104 of the 165 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (63%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Kansas, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House16.0%7.6%58.4%27.3
    Senate27.5%31.0%77.5%45.3
    Total18.8%12.7%63.0%31.5

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Kansas, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20108.0%20.0%56.8%28.329 / 44
    201231.5%42.5%69.7%47.95 / 44
    201410.4%18.8%60.0%29.722 / 44
    201620.0%29.5%66.7%38.714 / 44
    201810.4%23.2%48.8%27.534 / 44
    202013.9%21.8%65.5%33.718 / 44
    202219.2%15.7%48.0%27.638 / 44
    202418.8%12.7%63.0%31.527 / 44


    See also:

    Kentucky

    Kentucky had a Competitiveness Index of26.5, ranking it 33rd of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 16 of the 119 seats up for election wereopen (13%).
    • 24 of the 103 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (23%).
    • 51 of the 119 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (43%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Kentucky, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House12.0%21.6%44.0%25.9
    Senate21.1%33.3%36.8%30.4
    Total13.4%23.3%42.9%26.5

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Kentucky, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20105.9%18.8%56.3%27.033 / 44
    201210.9%20.8%44.5%25.439 / 44
    20149.2%13.9%49.6%24.232 / 44
    20168.4%14.7%58.8%27.331 / 44
    201817.6%19.4%84.9%40.614 / 44
    202014.3%12.7%57.1%28.035 / 44
    202217.6%31.0%45.4%31.331 / 44
    202413.4%23.3%42.9%26.533 / 44


    See also:

    Maine

    Maine had a Competitiveness Index of34.7, ranking it 22nd of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 39 of the 186 seats up for election wereopen (21%).
    • Six of the 147 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (4%).
    • 147 of the 186 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (79%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Maine, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House21.9%3.4%76.2%33.8
    Senate17.1%6.9%91.4%38.5
    Total21.0%4.1%79.0%34.7

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Maine, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201023.1%2.8%94.1%40.010 / 44
    201233.9%4.1%90.9%43.09 / 44
    201427.4%2.2%86.6%38.79 / 44
    201619.9%2.7%86.0%36.216 / 44
    201830.1%1.5%83.9%38.519 / 44
    202020.4%4.7%76.3%33.817 / 44
    202237.6%2.6%80.6%40.314 / 44
    202421.0%4.1%79.0%34.722 / 44


    See also:

    Massachusetts

    Massachusetts had a Competitiveness Index of13.1, ranking it 44th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 19 of the 200 seats up for election wereopen (10%).
    • 18 of the 181 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (10%).
    • 40 of the 200 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (20%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Massachusetts, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House10.0%10.4%18.1%12.8
    Senate7.5%8.1%27.5%14.4
    Total9.5%9.9%20.0%13.1

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Massachusetts, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201017.0%8.4%48.0%24.539 / 44
    20125.0%10.0%33.0%16.044 / 44
    201411.0%9.6%38.5%19.739 / 44
    20166.5%10.7%23.0%13.444 / 44
    201812.0%11.4%30.0%17.844 / 44
    20207.5%12.4%21.0%13.644 / 44
    202212.0%11.9%30.0%18.044 / 44
    20249.5%9.9%20.0%13.144 / 44


    See also:

    Michigan

    Michigan had a Competitiveness Index of46.9, ranking it fifth of the 44 states that held elections.

    • Eight of the 110 seats up for election wereopen (7%).
    • 35 of the 102 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (34%).
    • 109 of the 110 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (99%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Michigan, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House7.3%34.3%99.1%46.9
    SenateDid not hold elections
    Total7.3%34.3%99.1%46.9

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Michigan, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201054.1%25.0%98.0%59.01 / 44
    201220.0%40.2%98.2%52.81 / 44
    201434.5%28.9%100.0%54.51 / 44
    201638.2%33.8%100.0%57.31 / 44
    201847.3%29.5%100.0%58.91 / 44
    202023.6%28.6%99.1%50.41 / 44
    202244.6%52.4%98.6%65.21 / 44
    20247.3%34.3%99.1%46.95 / 44


    See also:

    Minnesota

    Minnesota had a Competitiveness Index of38.6, ranking it 15th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 20 of the 134 seats up for election wereopen (15%).
    • Seven of the 114 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (6%).
    • 127 of the 134 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (95%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Minnesota, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House14.9%6.1%94.8%38.6
    SenateDid not hold elections
    Total14.9%6.1%94.8%38.6

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Minnesota, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201011.9%4.5%97.0%37.811 / 44
    201225.4%7.1%96.0%42.810 / 44
    201411.2%4.2%93.3%36.212 / 44
    201613.9%6.4%96.5%38.912 / 44
    201817.2%6.3%97.8%40.415 / 44
    20209.5%10.4%96.5%38.810 / 44
    202231.3%14.1%87.1%44.211 / 44
    202414.9%6.1%94.8%38.615 / 44


    See also:

    Missouri

    Missouri had a Competitiveness Index of40.6, ranking it 13th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 57 of the 180 seats up for election wereopen (32%).
    • 26 of the 123 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (21%).
    • 124 of the 180 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (69%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Missouri, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House28.8%19.0%67.5%38.4
    Senate58.8%57.1%82.4%66.1
    Total31.7%21.1%68.9%40.6

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Missouri, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201041.7%14.3%56.7%37.613 / 44
    201233.9%27.8%49.4%37.021 / 44
    201418.3%15.0%49.4%27.624 / 44
    201621.1%14.8%41.7%25.933 / 44
    201835.0%16.2%73.9%41.712 / 44
    202031.7%13.8%50.0%31.825 / 44
    202227.2%26.5%43.3%32.329 / 44
    202431.7%21.1%68.9%40.613 / 44


    See also:

    Montana

    Montana had a Competitiveness Index of52.8, ranking it second of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 52 of the 125 seats up for election wereopen (42%).
    • 24 of the 75 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (32%).
    • 106 of the 125 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (85%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Montana, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House35.0%31.3%85.0%50.4
    Senate68.0%37.5%84.0%63.2
    Total41.6%32.0%84.8%52.8

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Montana, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201040.5%14.7%72.2%42.57 / 44
    201234.9%20.7%79.4%45.07 / 44
    201436.0%22.5%84.0%47.52 / 44
    201637.6%17.5%77.6%44.28 / 44
    201828.8%11.2%68.0%36.022 / 44
    202032.8%27.4%64.0%41.46 / 44
    202231.2%15.1%68.8%38.416 / 44
    202441.6%32.0%84.8%52.82 / 44


    See also:

    Nebraska

    Nebraska had a Competitiveness Index of62.0, ranking it first of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 15 of the 25 seats up for election wereopen (60%).
    • Five of the 10 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (50%).
    • 19 of the 25 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (76%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Nebraska, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    HouseN/A
    Senate60.0%50.0%76.0%62.0
    Total60.0%50.0%76.0%62.0

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Nebraska, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201012.5%28.6%37.5%26.235 / 44
    201236.0%25.0%52.0%37.718 / 44
    201470.8%14.3%33.3%39.58 / 44
    201644.0%28.6%44.0%38.912 / 44
    201833.3%31.3%54.2%39.617 / 44
    202024.0%10.5%56.0%30.230 / 44
    202254.2%54.5%45.8%51.54 / 44
    202460.0%50.0%76.0%62.01 / 44


    See also:

    Nevada

    Nevada had a Competitiveness Index of42.4, ranking it 10th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 15 of the 52 seats up for election wereopen (29%).
    • Eight of the 37 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (22%).
    • 40 of the 52 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (77%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Nevada, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House26.2%16.1%76.2%39.5
    Senate40.0%50.0%80.0%56.7
    Total28.8%21.6%76.9%42.4

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Nevada, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201050.9%19.2%92.5%54.22 / 44
    201230.8%33.3%76.9%47.06 / 44
    201418.9%30.2%60.4%36.511 / 44
    201621.2%41.5%75.0%45.94 / 44
    201828.3%21.1%67.9%39.118 / 44
    202025.0%17.9%65.4%36.115 / 44
    202235.8%38.2%83.0%52.33 / 44
    202428.8%21.6%76.9%42.410 / 44


    See also:

    New Hampshire

    New Hampshire had a Competitiveness Index of43.7, ranking it ninth of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 95 of the 424 seats up for election wereopen (22%).
    • 86 of the 329 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (26%).
    • 350 of the 424 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (83%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New Hampshire, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House22.8%27.5%81.5%43.9
    Senate16.7%5.0%100.0%40.6
    Total22.4%26.1%82.5%43.7

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New Hampshire, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201024.1%38.5%86.3%49.64 / 44
    201229.5%46.0%82.3%52.62 / 44
    201426.7%33.2%79.0%46.34 / 44
    201627.8%40.7%79.5%49.33 / 44
    201824.8%27.2%82.8%44.98 / 44
    202019.1%29.1%94.6%47.63 / 44
    202229.7%38.4%91.0%53.02 / 44
    202422.4%26.1%82.5%43.79 / 44


    See also:

    New Mexico

    New Mexico had a Competitiveness Index of27.3, ranking it 32nd of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 19 of the 112 seats up for election wereopen (17%).
    • 22 of the 93 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (24%).
    • 46 of the 112 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (41%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New Mexico, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House11.4%21.0%44.3%25.6
    Senate26.2%29.0%35.7%30.3
    Total17.0%23.7%41.1%27.3

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New Mexico, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20104.3%20.9%47.1%24.141 / 44
    201219.6%26.4%48.2%31.431 / 44
    201415.7%11.9%50.0%25.929 / 44
    20168.9%8.8%37.5%18.440 / 44
    201812.9%9.8%45.7%22.843 / 44
    20209.8%19.8%71.4%33.718 / 44
    202217.1%20.7%48.6%28.836 / 44
    202417.0%23.7%41.1%27.332 / 44


    See also:

    New York

    New York had a Competitiveness Index of26.4, ranking it 34th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 17 of the 213 seats up for election wereopen (8%).
    • 18 of the 195 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (9%).
    • 132 of the 213 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (62%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New York, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House8.7%12.4%60.7%27.2
    Senate6.3%1.7%65.1%24.4
    Total8.0%9.2%62.0%26.4

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New York, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201011.8%19.8%77.4%36.316 / 44
    201211.3%17.5%62.4%30.432 / 44
    20149.9%14.1%57.7%27.225 / 44
    20168.9%17.0%57.7%27.930 / 44
    20188.5%15.9%60.6%28.333 / 44
    202015.5%19.4%63.8%32.922 / 44
    202211.7%24.1%65.3%33.725 / 44
    20248.0%9.2%62.0%26.434 / 44


    See also:

    North Carolina

    North Carolina had a Competitiveness Index of34.1, ranking it 23rd of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 21 of the 170 seats up for election wereopen (12%).
    • 19 of the 149 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (13%).
    • 131 of the 170 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (77%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in North Carolina, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House12.5%15.2%74.2%34.0
    Senate12.0%6.8%84.0%34.3
    Total12.4%12.8%77.1%34.1

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in North Carolina, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201010.6%25.7%67.1%34.519 / 44
    201227.1%29.1%57.1%37.817 / 44
    20148.2%18.6%52.4%26.427 / 44
    201611.8%20.7%54.1%28.926 / 44
    201811.2%25.5%98.2%45.06 / 44
    202015.3%16.7%91.8%41.37 / 44
    202217.6%22.9%68.2%36.220 / 44
    202412.4%12.8%77.1%34.123 / 44


    See also:

    North Dakota

    North Dakota had a Competitiveness Index of37.9, ranking it 16th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 17 of the 69 seats up for election wereopen (25%).
    • 20 of the 52 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (38%).
    • 35 of the 69 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (51%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in North Dakota, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House19.6%45.9%47.8%37.8
    Senate34.8%20.0%56.5%37.1
    Total24.6%38.5%50.7%37.9

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in North Dakota, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201020.8%3.5%72.2%32.224 / 44
    201224.0%16.4%82.7%41.014 / 44
    201418.1%6.8%66.7%30.519 / 44
    201621.7%13.0%89.9%41.510 / 44
    201816.7%10.0%76.4%34.425 / 44
    20208.7%7.9%78.3%31.627 / 44
    202226.5%36.0%37.8%33.427 / 44
    202424.6%38.5%50.7%37.916 / 44


    See also:

    Ohio

    Ohio had a Competitiveness Index of45.7, ranking it seventh of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 28 of the 115 seats up for election wereopen (24%).
    • 24 of the 87 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (28%).
    • 98 of the 115 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (85%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Ohio, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House22.2%28.6%83.8%44.9
    Senate37.5%20.0%93.8%50.4
    Total24.3%27.6%85.2%45.7

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Ohio, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201025.0%16.1%85.3%42.19 / 44
    201216.2%14.3%85.5%38.716 / 44
    201422.4%25.6%81.0%43.05 / 44
    201625.2%16.3%73.9%38.515 / 44
    201836.2%27.0%90.5%51.22 / 44
    202020.0%15.2%80.0%38.412 / 44
    202226.7%23.3%69.8%39.915 / 44
    202424.3%27.6%85.2%45.77 / 44


    See also:

    Oklahoma

    Oklahoma had a Competitiveness Index of24.3, ranking it 36th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 22 of the 125 seats up for election wereopen (18%).
    • 29 of the 103 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (28%).
    • 34 of the 125 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (27%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Oklahoma, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House13.9%24.1%24.8%20.9
    Senate33.3%50.0%37.5%40.3
    Total17.6%28.2%27.2%24.3

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Oklahoma, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201017.6%11.7%43.2%24.240 / 44
    201218.4%18.6%35.2%24.140 / 44
    201424.0%13.7%36.8%24.831 / 44
    201632.8%33.3%69.6%45.26 / 44
    201834.4%45.1%72.8%50.83 / 44
    20208.8%28.9%38.4%25.438 / 44
    202216.0%24.8%28.8%23.242 / 44
    202417.6%28.2%27.2%24.336 / 44


    See also:

    Oregon

    Oregon had a Competitiveness Index of36.7, ranking it 18th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 14 of the 75 seats up for election wereopen (19%).
    • 11 of the 61 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (18%).
    • 55 of the 75 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (73%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Oregon, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House11.7%18.9%71.7%34.1
    Senate46.7%12.5%80.0%46.4
    Total18.7%18.0%73.3%36.7

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Oregon, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20109.2%13.0%90.8%37.712 / 44
    201213.2%6.1%78.9%32.728 / 44
    201420.0%10.0%64.0%31.317 / 44
    201622.7%6.9%58.7%29.425 / 44
    201811.0%13.8%65.8%30.230 / 44
    202020.0%8.3%85.3%37.913 / 44
    202232.0%17.6%86.7%45.410 / 44
    202418.7%18.0%73.3%36.718 / 44


    See also:

    Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania had a Competitiveness Index of23.8, ranking it 38th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 16 of the 228 seats up for election wereopen (7%).
    • 21 of the 212 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (10%).
    • 124 of the 228 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (54%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Pennsylvania, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House6.4%11.1%52.7%23.4
    Senate12.0%0.0%68.0%26.7
    Total7.0%9.9%54.4%23.8

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Pennsylvania, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20109.2%14.0%59.2%27.532 / 44
    201211.0%15.8%51.8%26.238 / 44
    201411.8%20.7%44.3%25.630 / 44
    20168.3%13.4%51.3%24.335 / 44
    201814.0%11.2%61.0%28.732 / 44
    20208.3%13.4%64.9%28.932 / 44
    202218.0%22.1%56.1%32.130 / 44
    20247.0%9.9%54.4%23.838 / 44


    See also:

    Rhode Island

    Rhode Island had a Competitiveness Index of18.0, ranking it 42nd of the 44 states that held elections.

    • Nine of the 113 seats up for election wereopen (8%).
    • 12 of the 104 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (12%).
    • 39 of the 113 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (35%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Rhode Island, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House6.7%12.9%33.3%17.6
    Senate10.5%8.8%36.8%18.7
    Total8.0%11.5%34.5%18.0

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Rhode Island, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201013.3%34.7%62.8%36.914 / 44
    201211.5%26.0%42.5%26.737 / 44
    20147.1%17.1%26.5%16.942 / 44
    20167.1%17.1%30.1%18.141 / 44
    201813.3%20.4%38.1%23.940 / 44
    20208.0%25.0%31.9%21.642 / 44
    202212.4%30.3%58.4%33.725 / 44
    20248.0%11.5%34.5%18.042 / 44


    See also:

    South Carolina

    South Carolina had a Competitiveness Index of29.2, ranking it 29th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 20 of the 170 seats up for election wereopen (12%).
    • 51 of the 150 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (34%).
    • 71 of the 170 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (42%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in South Carolina, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House12.1%34.9%37.9%28.3
    Senate10.9%31.7%52.2%31.6
    Total11.8%34.0%41.8%29.2

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in South Carolina, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20109.7%23.2%29.8%20.943 / 44
    201214.1%15.5%40.0%23.241 / 44
    20147.3%17.4%24.2%16.343 / 44
    201610.0%27.5%23.5%20.338 / 44
    20186.5%31.0%36.3%24.639 / 44
    20208.2%23.1%47.6%26.337 / 44
    202212.1%30.6%40.3%27.737 / 44
    202411.8%34.0%41.8%29.229 / 44


    See also:

    South Dakota

    South Dakota had a Competitiveness Index of47.0, ranking it fourth of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 36 of the 105 seats up for election wereopen (34%).
    • 42 of the 69 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (61%).
    • 48 of the 105 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (46%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in South Dakota, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House31.4%66.7%44.3%47.5
    Senate40.0%47.6%48.6%45.4
    Total34.3%60.9%45.7%47.0

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in South Dakota, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201032.4%9.9%58.1%33.520 / 44
    201229.5%33.8%60.0%41.113 / 44
    201429.5%23.0%47.6%33.414 / 44
    201640.0%28.6%62.9%43.89 / 44
    201824.8%25.3%84.8%45.06 / 44
    202027.6%32.9%52.4%37.614 / 44
    202232.4%49.3%44.8%42.213 / 44
    202434.3%60.9%45.7%47.04 / 44


    See also:

    Tennessee

    Tennessee had a Competitiveness Index of31.6, ranking it 26th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • Eight of the 115 seats up for election wereopen (7%).
    • 28 of the 107 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (26%).
    • 71 of the 115 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (62%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Tennessee, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House7.1%21.7%60.6%29.8
    Senate6.3%53.3%68.8%42.8
    Total7.0%26.2%61.7%31.6

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Tennessee, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20108.6%11.3%57.8%25.937 / 44
    201218.3%35.7%50.4%34.825 / 44
    201410.3%24.0%37.9%24.133 / 44
    20165.2%31.2%48.7%28.429 / 44
    201823.3%27.0%73.3%41.213 / 44
    20205.2%24.8%40.0%23.340 / 44
    202214.7%15.2%37.9%22.643 / 44
    20247.0%26.2%61.7%31.626 / 44


    See also:

    Texas

    Texas had a Competitiveness Index of36.9, ranking it 17th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 17 of the 165 seats up for election wereopen (10%).
    • 60 of the 148 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (41%).
    • 99 of the 165 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (60%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Texas, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House10.7%43.3%59.3%37.8
    Senate6.7%14.3%66.7%29.2
    Total10.3%40.5%60.0%36.9

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Texas, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    20105.4%17.8%39.2%20.844 / 44
    201219.3%34.7%36.5%30.233 / 44
    20149.1%26.0%33.3%22.836 / 44
    20169.6%30.7%33.7%24.734 / 44
    20188.5%33.1%64.8%35.523 / 44
    20206.6%20.6%64.5%30.629 / 44
    202216.6%29.6%55.2%33.824 / 44
    202410.3%40.5%60.0%36.917 / 44


    See also:

    Utah

    Utah had a Competitiveness Index of32.7, ranking it 25th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 16 of the 89 seats up for election wereopen (18%).
    • 12 of the 74 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (16%).
    • 57 of the 89 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (64%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Utah, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House18.7%12.9%65.3%32.3
    Senate14.3%33.3%57.1%34.9
    Total18.0%16.2%64.0%32.7

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Utah, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201010.0%11.1%78.9%33.323 / 44
    201216.5%17.9%76.9%37.120 / 44
    201413.5%5.2%77.5%32.115 / 44
    201615.6%7.9%62.2%28.628 / 44
    201827.0%4.6%77.5%36.421 / 44
    202014.4%15.6%65.6%31.924 / 44
    20228.9%18.3%51.1%26.140 / 44
    202418.0%16.2%64.0%32.725 / 44


    See also:

    Vermont

    Vermont had a Competitiveness Index of24.0, ranking it 37th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 40 of the 180 seats up for election wereopen (22%).
    • 20 of the 140 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (14%).
    • 64 of the 180 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (36%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Vermont, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House24.0%7.9%31.3%21.1
    Senate13.3%42.3%56.7%37.4
    Total22.2%14.3%35.6%24.0

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Vermont, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201011.7%8.2%55.6%25.238 / 44
    201214.4%7.7%33.3%18.543 / 44
    201415.0%5.2%37.8%19.341 / 44
    201615.6%17.8%47.2%26.932 / 44
    201817.8%12.8%38.3%23.042 / 44
    202012.2%16.5%56.7%28.533 / 44
    202231.7%14.4%51.1%32.428 / 44
    202422.2%14.3%35.6%24.037 / 44


    See also:

    Washington

    Washington had a Competitiveness Index of36.7, ranking it 18th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 26 of the 123 seats up for election wereopen (21%).
    • 24 of the 97 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (25%).
    • 79 of the 123 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (64%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Washington, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House18.4%25.0%62.2%35.2
    Senate32.0%23.5%72.0%42.5
    Total21.1%24.7%64.2%36.7

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Washington, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201016.3%23.3%65.0%34.918 / 44
    201221.0%15.3%63.7%33.327 / 44
    20149.8%20.7%63.4%31.317 / 44
    201616.9%31.1%50.0%32.721 / 44
    201813.8%32.1%73.2%39.716 / 44
    202013.0%35.5%74.8%41.18 / 44
    202221.3%32.3%58.2%37.318 / 44
    202421.1%24.7%64.2%36.718 / 44


    See also:

    West Virginia

    West Virginia had a Competitiveness Index of34.1, ranking it 23rd of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 19 of the 117 seats up for election wereopen (16%).
    • 30 of the 98 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (31%).
    • 65 of the 117 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (56%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in West Virginia, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House16.0%27.4%56.0%33.1
    Senate17.6%50.0%52.9%40.2
    Total16.2%30.6%55.6%34.1

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in West Virginia, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201012.0%50.5%65.0%42.57 / 44
    201216.2%45.9%65.8%42.611 / 44
    20149.4%32.1%83.8%41.87 / 44
    201621.4%40.9%92.3%51.52 / 44
    201815.4%40.4%87.2%47.75 / 44
    202020.5%48.4%81.2%50.02 / 44
    202219.7%36.7%71.8%42.712 / 44
    202416.2%30.6%55.6%34.123 / 44


    See also:

    Wisconsin

    Wisconsin had a Competitiveness Index of46.2, ranking it sixth of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 30 of the 115 seats up for election wereopen (26%).
    • 28 of the 89 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (31%).
    • 93 of the 115 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (81%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Wisconsin, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House27.3%34.2%82.8%48.1
    Senate18.8%15.4%68.8%34.3
    Total26.1%31.5%80.9%46.2

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Wisconsin, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201019.8%14.0%71.6%35.117 / 44
    201220.0%16.0%71.3%35.823 / 44
    201425.0%3.4%51.7%26.726 / 44
    201611.3%7.8%50.4%23.236 / 44
    201813.8%4.0%63.8%27.235 / 44
    202017.4%9.5%78.3%35.116 / 44
    202225.9%10.5%73.3%36.619 / 44
    202426.1%31.5%80.9%46.26 / 44


    See also:

    Wyoming

    Wyoming had a Competitiveness Index of36.2, ranking it 20th of the 44 states that held elections.

    • 16 of the 77 seats up for election wereopen (21%).
    • 40 of the 61 incumbents who ran for re-election facedcontested primaries (66%).
    • 17 of the 77 seats up for election were contested by bothmajor parties (22%).

    In 2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Wyoming, 2024
    ChamberOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness Index
    House17.7%64.7%%27.5
    Senate33.3%70.0%20.0%41.1
    Total20.8%65.6%22.1%36.2

    2010-2024

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    State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Wyoming, 2010-2024
    YearOpen seatsIncs. in contested primariesMajor party competitionCompetitiveness IndexRank
    201020.0%25.0%33.3%26.136 / 44
    201220.0%35.0%26.7%27.236 / 44
    201414.7%40.6%33.3%29.523 / 44
    201626.7%36.4%73.3%45.55 / 44
    201813.3%29.2%34.7%25.737 / 44
    202020.0%51.7%28.0%33.221 / 44
    202226.9%49.1%30.8%35.621 / 44
    202420.8%65.6%22.1%36.220 / 44


    See also:

    Open seats

    See also:Open seats in state legislative elections, 2024

    There were5,807 state legislative seats up for election on November 5, 2024, in 44 states. Of that total, there were962 open seats, guaranteeing at least17% of all seats would be won by newcomers. This was the second-smallest number of open seats since Ballotpedia began gathering data in 2010.

    Ballotpedia uses the number and percentage of open seats to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A greater number of open seats guarantees more newcomers entering legislatures and typically results in more candidates running for office. A smaller number of open seats guarantees fewer newcomers and typically results in fewer candidates running for office.

    In 2024:

  • There were407 open Democratic seats, those most recently held by Democrats at the time of filing.
  • There were545 open Republican seats, those most recently held by Republicans at the time of filing.
  • There were10 other open seats. This includes those most recently held by minor party or independent officeholders at the time of filing.
  • The total number of open seats—962—was higher than in 2020 (876), the last time all 44 states held elections, representing a 10% increase.


  • Open state legislative seats, 2024
    ChamberSeats
    DemocraticRepublicanOtherTotal
    #%
    House4,712323408873915.7%
    Senate1,09584137222320.4%
    Total5,8074075451096216.6%

    Historical comparison

    The chart below shows a breakdown of open seats from 2010 to 2024. The "Other" value includes seats left open by minor party and independent officeholders.

    Incumbents in contested primaries

    See also:State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2024

    There were5,807 state legislative seats up for election on November 5, 2024, in 44 states. Overall, 4,853 incumbents filed for re-election and were running at the time of their respective primaries. Of that total,1,039 incumbents faced contested primaries, representing21% of all incumbents who filed for re-election. This was roughly average compared to previous years, down from 27% in 2022 but higher than the 20% in 2020.


    Ballotpedia uses the number and percentage of incumbents in contested primaries to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A larger number of contested primaries indicates more opportunities for voters to elect a non-incumbent to office. A smaller number indicates fewer of those opportunities.

    In 2024:

  • There were365 Democratic incumbents in contested primaries, representing 17% of all Democratic incumbents who filed for re-election, a 26% decrease from 2020.
  • There were674 Republican incumbents in contested primaries, representing 26% of all Republican incumbents who filed for re-election, a 32% increase from 2020.
  • The total number of incumbents in contested primaries—1,039—was higher than in 2020 (1,006), the last time all 44 states held elections, representing a 3% increase.


  • State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2024
    ChamberSeats
    DemocraticRepublicanTotal[1]
    FiledCont.%FiledCont.%FiledCont.%
    House4,7121,81328915.9%2,15855125.5%3,98284021.1%
    Senate1,0954037618.9%46812326.3%87119922.8%
    Total5,8072,21636516.5%2,62667425.7%4,8531,03921.4%

    Historical comparison

    The chart below shows a breakdown of incumbents in contested primaries from 2010 to 2024.

    All contested primaries

    See also:Contested state legislative primaries, 2024

    This section shows figures onall contested state legislative primaries, regardless of whether an incumbent was present. There were5,470 state legislative districts up for election nationwide, creating10,642 possible primaries. Of that total, there were1,731 contested primaries, meaning16% of all primaries were contested. This percentage is tied with 2014 (16%) as the lowest percentage of contested primaries since Ballotpedia began gathering data in 2010.

    In 2024:

  • There were608 contested Democratic primaries, representing 12% of all possible Democratic primaries and a 27% decrease from 2020, the last time all 44 states held elections.
  • There were1,005 contested Republican primaries, representing 19% of all possible Republican primaries and a 14% increase from 2020, the last time all 44 states held elections.
  • There were118 contested top-two/four primaries, representing 40% of all possible top-two/four primaries and an 8% increase from 2020, the last time all 44 states held elections.
  • The total number of contested primaries—1,731—was down from 2020 (1,827), the last time all 44 states held elections, representing a 5% decrease.


  • Contested state legislative primaries, 2024
    ChamberDistricts
    DemocraticRepublicanTop-two/fourTotal
    #%#%#%#%
    House4,38948411.6%78418.8%7936.2%1,34715.7%
    Senate1,08112412.4%22122.1%3948.8%38418.4%
    Total5,47060811.8%1,00519.4%11839.6%1,73116.3%

    The chart below shows a breakdown of contested primaries from 2010 to 2024.

    Major party competition

    See also:Major party competition in state legislative elections, 2024

    There were5,807 state legislative seats up for election on November 5, 2024, in 44 states. Of that total,2,224 (38%) were uncontested and had no major party competition. This was roughly average compared to previous years, down from 41% in 2022 but higher than the 34% and 35% in 2018 and 2020, respectively. The remaining 3,583 (62%) seats were contested by both major parties.

    Ballotpedia uses the level of major party competition to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A larger number of seats without major party competition indicates fewer options on the ballot. A smaller number indicates more options.

    In 2024:

  • Democrats were guaranteed to win 1,111 seats (19%) that lacked Republican competition, an 8% increase from 2020, the last time all 44 states held elections.
  • Republicans were guaranteed to win 1,109 seats (19%) that lacked Democratic competition, a 10% increase from 2020, the last time all 44 states held elections.
  • Overall, Democrats ran for 4,694 seats (81%) and Republicans ran for 4,692 (81%).
  • There werefour seats guaranteed to minor party or independent candidates because no major party candidates ran.
  • The total number of seats without major party competition—2,224—was more than in 2020 (2,044), the last time all 44 states held elections, representing a 9% increase.
  • One of the two major parties wasguaranteed a simple majority in19 chambers across14 states due to the lack of major party competition.

  • Major party competition in state legislative elections, 2024
    ChamberSeats
    UncontestedContested
    Only DemocratsOnly RepublicansTotal
    #%#%#%#%
    House4,71290219.1%90119.1%1,80738.3%2,90561.7%
    Senate1,09520919.1%20819.0%41738.1%67861.9%
    Total5,8071,11119.1%1,10919.1%2,22438.3%3,58361.7%

    Historical comparison

    The chart below shows a breakdown of major party competition in state legislative elections from 2010 to 2024.

    Terms and definitions

    Use the links below to view terms, definitions, and methodologies specific to the three competitiveness criteria:

    See also

    Footnotes

    1. Totals may include minor party or independent officeholders.
    v  e
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